Trumbull residents, union express 'outrage' about tower

Amanda Cuda, Staff Writer

Published 9:19 pm, Wednesday, June 30, 2010

TRUMBULL -- Residents and others "outraged" by a proposed cell tower on Trumbull Police Department property will get an opportunity to express their views before members of the Town Council during a 7 p.m. public forum Thursday at the Trumbull Library, 33 Quality St. However, at least one town official said she doesn't know whether anything can be done to stop the project.

Last year, the Town Council voted to approve putting a T-Mobile Communication cell tower at the Trumbull Police Department building, 158 Edison Road. The tower, which would be about 180 feet tall, would replace the 85-foot-tall radio tower now at the department building. The application is now before the Connecticut Siting Council.

Over the past month, members of the Trumbull Police Union, Local 1745, and numerous people living in the vicinity of the police department have complained about the proposed tower. Opponents have cited everything from health concerns, to property valuation concerns to issues with the way the tower would affect the town aesthetic. "Stop the Cell Tower" signs have been popping up all over town, and a Facebook page has even been created for the cause.

The rancor over the proposed tower hit fever pitch on Monday, during a meeting of the town council's legislation and administration committee. The council met to discuss, among other things, a resolution to rescind the approval of the tower.

Reached by phone on Tuesday, police union President Robert Coppola said he and others had been led to believe that the meeting would be a public hearing, where those who objected to the project would get a chance to comment. But town council vice chairwoman, and legislation and administration committee chairwoman. Suzanne Testani, said the meeting was never meant to be a hearing.

Nevertheless, roughly 50 members of the public attended the meeting, hoping to discuss the project. Coppola said he and others were "disappointed" at not being able to speak their minds. "It's not good government when the town council doesn't allow its citizens to be heard," he said.

Testani said she realizes this tower is a "sensitive issue" and was upset that residents at the meeting were so angry. Most distressing was an allegation by one of those in attendance that Testani doesn't care about the proposal because it doesn't affect her. "Whatever happens in Trumbull affects everybody here," she said.

The committee ultimately opted to hold the resolution to rescind the tower approval, pending further legal opinion. Testani pointed out that a contract had been signed between the town and T-Mobile when First Selectman Raymond G. Baldwin was in office. Rescinding that agreement would "expose the town to a serious lawsuit." A site lease agreement with T-Mobile remains unsigned, however. Testani said she was aware of that, but still didn't know what the town's options were.

Testani said, following Monday's meeting, she's been trying to reach residents who attended and explain the town's position. "I know that they're upset and can't blame them," she said.

Merwin Street resident Lois Gillern said she spoke to Testani before Monday's meeting, so she knew there wouldn't be public comment. However, she is upset about the proposed tower and hopes something can be done to stop it.

Gillern, whose property abuts the police station, characterized neighbors' feelings about the structure as "general outrage." Gillern had numerous concerns about the tower including its size. She pointed out that an 180-foot tower is basically the equivalent of an 18-story building. "This thing is going to be monstrous," she said. "I paid a lot of money for this house. I have three skylights and they will all look out at this cell tower."

Despite the contract, Gillern said she'd like to see the town government respond to the concerns of Trumbull residents.

"I get that the town council is concerned about the legal ramifications," she said. "My thing is, if it was the wrong decision to make, you have to do what's right."